Treatment of Balance Disorders
MRCS (Edinburgh, UK), FAMS (Otolaryngology)
FRCS (Glasgow), FAMS (Otolaryngology)
What Are Balance Disorders?
Balance disorders cause sensations of dizziness, unsteadiness, or spinning (vertigo), which can disrupt daily activities and increase the risk of falls or injury. These symptoms often occur when the inner ear, brain, or sensory nerves responsible for maintaining balance are not functioning properly.
At our clinic, we provide comprehensive evaluation and personalised treatment for patients experiencing dizziness, vertigo, or imbalance. Our ENT specialists strive to help patients restore stability, coordination, and confidence in movement.
How Do We Balance?
Your balance system involves coordination between the inner ear (vestibular system), eyes, and muscles and joints. When these systems send conflicting signals to the brain, balance problems may arise. Common types of balance disorders include:
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Brief, intense spinning episodes triggered by changes in head position.
- Labyrinthitis or Vestibular Neuritis: Inflammation of the inner ear or vestibular nerve causing sudden vertigo and nausea.
- Ménière’s Disease: A chronic condition characterised by vertigo, fluctuating hearing loss, ringing in the ear (tinnitus), and a feeling of fullness in the ear.
- Vestibular Migraine: Episodes of dizziness or imbalance associated with migraine headaches.
- Age-related or post-injury imbalance: Occurs when the vestibular system or sensory pathways weaken over time or after trauma.
Common Symptoms to Look Out For
Balance disorders may present differently from person to person. Some may feel spinning sensations (vertigo), while others experience unsteadiness or motion sensitivity. Typical symptoms include:
- Dizziness or a spinning sensation (vertigo)
- Unsteadiness, especially when walking or standing
- Blurred or unstable vision during movement
- Lightheadedness or a feeling of floating
- Nausea or vomiting
- Difficulty concentrating, fatigue, or anxiety
How Are Balance Disorders Diagnosed?
A detailed medical history and physical examination are important first steps. Your ENT specialist may perform the following tests:
- Hearing and vestibular tests to assess ear function
- Videonystagmography (VNG) or Electronystagmography (ENG) to evaluate eye movements linked to balance
- Imaging (CT or MRI) if structural causes are suspected
- Blood tests to rule out infection or metabolic causes
How Are Balance Disorders Treated?
Treatment depends on the underlying diagnosis and severity of symptoms. Common methods include:
When to See a Specialist for Balance Disorders?
You should consult an ENT specialist if:
- Dizziness is persistent or recurrent
- Balance problems interfere with walking or daily activities
- Episodes are accompanied by hearing loss or ringing in the ears
FAQs
OUR DOCTORS
Meet Our
ENT Specialists
Our clinic is led by two experienced ENT specialists, each with their own subspecialties, offering comprehensive expertise across all areas of ENT care. This ensures our patients receive care that is both broad in scope and deep in specialised insight.
Dr Barrie Tan
Senior Consultant ENT Specialist
MBBS (Singapore), MMed (ENT) (Singapore)
MRCS (Edinburgh, UK), FAMS (Otolaryngology)
Dr Barrie Tan has over 25 years of experience in ENT, particularly in the field of hearing loss and cochlear implants, snoring and sleep apnea, as well as endoscopic ear surgery.
Dr Barrie was a President’s Scholar and the former Head of the ENT Department at Singapore General Hospital (SGH) and the Director of the Centre for Hearing and Ear Implants. He continues to hold various leadership positions in several ENT professional bodies today.
At his practice, Dr Barrie places great emphasis on listening carefully to his patients and providing the most personalised and supportive care possible.
Dr Ranjit Magherra
Senior Consultant ENT Head & Neck Surgeon
MBBS (Singapore), FRCS (Edinburgh)
FRCS (Glasgow), FAMS (Otolaryngology)
Dr Ranjit Magherra is an accomplished ENT Head & Neck Specialist with over 25 years of experience. He was also fellowship-trained in Head & Neck and Thyroid Surgery.
Dr Ranjit was formerly the Head of the ENT Head & Neck Surgery Department at Ng Teng Fong General Hospital (NTFGH), as well as an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the National University of Singapore.
He has also received several Service Quality Awards during his time in the public sector and continues to bring the same level of dedication to his patients even today.